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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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Category: Music
Loudness are by far the best metal export out of
Japan. I am grateful that they have enjoyed a moderate amount of
international success in the last 28+ years. Their first 4 CDs are
classic metal masterpieces. Most assuredly they have set the precedent
for certain milieus of speed metal, due to the amazing guitar
histrionics, pounding bass tone, and dynamic drum interpolations.
Once these soldiers of fortune signed to Atlantic Records in the U.S.,
they released 3 stellar CDs, which rivaled anything Yngwie Malmsteen
has done, or Axel Rudi Pell will ever do! Sadly, after the recording of
the 'Jealousy' EP, their very unique vocalist Minoru Niihara was fired,
and replaced by Obsession's own Mike Vescera.
Unfortunately, Loudness fell into the glam, must sell-out style,
and even though 'Soldier of fortune' was an awesome CD, 'On the prowl'
was far too commercial, despite its attempt to Americanize classics
like "In the mirror", "Girl", and "Sleepless nights".
After this, Loudness returned home, and the thunder in the east
began to fade. Loudness never really disbanded, and like Leif Edling of
Candlemass, or Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Akira Takasaki kept the
band ever vibrant in one incarnation, after another. He hired the
vocalist of EZO (Masaki Yamada) to sing, and drummer Hirotsugu Homma to
consistently work on a number of CDs, including 'Heavy metal hippies',
'Ghetto machine', 'Dragon' and 'Engine'. He rotated bass slots with
ex-members of the under appreciated Anthem, and the glitz gods X Japan.
These 90s-era CDs were very modern, and not replete with the true
Loudness flourish and flair. It can be argued that they are definitely
heavy, and there is a certain milieu of mettle; but the music is staid,
lacks any real luster, and is not too memorable.
The husk of the jaguar that is Akira Takasaki, is why Loudness has
endured for nigh 3 decades. He is, hands down, one of the best
guitarists, ever! This sick samurai of the 6-string sting, has created
some of the best lead work and riff arrangements I have ever heard. He
is the sonic sorcerer of the everlasting style and technique. He
carefully balances weights and measures, leads and riffs, hooks and
scales, ever so carefully on his guitar. He is like a yakuza warrior
swinging his tempered blade, creating a hurricane of idolized
interpretations.
I would again compare Akira to Leif Eidling because he is so
prolific, always creating new music. When he is not writing or
recording a new Loudness CD, he is releasing yet another solo effort.
His chaos, suicide doled out licks, seriously promise to punish and
evolve. This soul is truly inspired with a can do spiritual drive.
In 2001, Akira reunited the original line-up of Loudness to celebrate
their 20th anniversary. Their following CD 'Spiritual canoe' was a bit
tepid, and slightly modern for most old-school Loudness enthusiasts.
There were some rippin' comeback cuts like "Stay wild", "Seven deadly
sins", "Picture your life", or "Climax", but the CD as a whole was far
from being a throwback to the 80s. This was immediately followed by
'Pandemonium', which showed some signs of maturity and progression.
Loudness were hell-bent determined to re-create themselves.
Thankfully, as these crazy doctors of rock continued to release at
least one studio, or live CD and DVD per year, they began to write more
music in the vain of their past. In 2004, the release of the
'Rockshocks' compilation, celebrating their best earlier efforts,
marked the real rebirth of the Japanese heroes. Although, many of these
songs had an updated, over-produced feel, this was the manner in which
many metalheads who were not familiar with their glorious past became
more aware of such noble talent.
Then, acts like Galneryus, Concerto Moon, Hellhound, Metalucifer, and
Sex Machineguns, had begun to gain some notoriety. Many of their loyal
fans were not familiar with their influences from such great acts as
Anthem, Earthshaker, EZO, Bow Wow and their ilk. Even thrash gods like
Sacrifice, Sabbat, and Genocide from Japan began to gain some
prominence as highly influential. However, it all began with Loudness.
Just like Christian metal has its roots in Petra and Rez band, but if
not for the overwhelming success of Stryper, the movement would never
have got under way.
On a side note, I am very excited about the new Stryper 'Murder by
pride' due out next month. However, contrary to popular belief, and
widespread internet rumours, I am not the new guitarist of the reformed
Vengeance Rising, even though we both share the same name!
As the newer songs began to formulate, Minoru's vocals had became
more squeaky, shrill, annoying and less pronounced. This pig squealing
approach still grates on my nerves, but somehow works with such
remarkable achievements as 'Racing', Biosphere', and 'Breaking the
taboo'. I'm not sure why Minoru chooses this inchoate pitch; because
the songs are sung in English, and if he could just recapture his Geddy
Lee meets Rob Halford timbre, the songs would flow better.
This revitalized band passion in 2006, marked the first tour
Loudness had performed in the U.S. since they were signed to Atlantic,
and led by Mike Vescera. If you are a fan of their early catalogue, I
definitely recommend these releases.
Unfortunately, the inspiration began to wear off, and Metal Mad
began to lose its momentum. Perhaps this was due to the ongoing illness
of drummer Munetaka Higuchi, who later died of lung cancer (last
November).
The new CD 'The Everlasting' is a befitting tribute to Munetaka,
and includes his previously recorded drum material, just as Voi Vod has
done for their last 2 CDs with Piggy's previously mixed riffs, which he
wrote before he died of cancer, as well.
The everlasting echo of eternal deliverance begins with "Hit the
rails", which strikes like lightning resounding their 80s suggestion.
Ashes fall from the sky, but I begin to choke when the unnecessary
breakdown momentarily kick in. Joyfully, the serene solos return me to
my heavy headspace. It is as if Akira feels the need to emulate Zakk
Wylde. Akira is far too erudite to copy a certain style, and by the
time "Flame of rock" rolls into gear, the "Rock 'n' roll crazy nights"
vibe is back in tact, with the strike of the sword, deeply piercing.
I wonder if this CD is almost a tribute to Loudness' law of the
land, with its rock shock devilish arrangements. "I Wonder" truly
recapitulates the "Thunder in the east" essence, and Minoru's vocals
sound the best he has since his initial departure. "I'm in pain"
definitely has speed, and a caustic, clockwork pace, which toys at my
dark desire.
The heavy chains of modern production values are carefully lifted,
and this CD relies on an old-school rock 'n roll affectation. The title
track sounds a bit more like the songs on 'Terror hakuri' or
'Pandemonium', but it still reverberates with a classic feel. Some
songs like "Thunder burn" or "Desperate religion" have a penchant for
the bluesy or funky 70s style.
This CD is very appealing and holds a special place in my hungry
heart. I know it is an expensive import, but it merits a circumspect
listen, on more than just one occasion. At times it does seem a bit
rushed and less inspired, however. Minoru's whiny vocals still prevail,
somewhat, but he has not sounded this clear since his initial
departure.
"Life goes on" is a somber ballad, and a homage to Munetaka
Higuchi. There is a strong 70s proto-metal feel echoing, which
culminates in a hippie stream of consciousness. Here, the band verify
that, like Metallica after the untimely demise of Cliff Burton, they
will carry the torch and continue to make quality music, in his
everlasting memory.
Perhaps, Akira - the road racing demon - has caught the disease of
despair, and loss a little of his inspiration, ruing the loss of a dear
friend, and a truly under appreciated drummer. Some of the riffs do
seem recycled, and not too original. Then again, he has been writing
metal for most of my life; definitely as long as I've been celebrating
the more abundance of metal.
A track like "Let it rock" or "Change" is a good example of this. But,
hey, I would rather hear songs like this than any of those 90s 'Ghetto
machine' head knockers, any day. I would assert that all the sedulous
soloing remains ever lasting and true.
"Rock into the night" mirrors a "Satisfaction guaranteed" and
"Sleepless nights" honourable ambition. While the whisper of "Desperate
religion" espys, eyeing the befitting Buddhistic CD artwork.
The CD is a balanced blend of 'Lightning strikes' and 'Hurricane
eyes' mixed with 'Metal mad' or 'Breaking the taboo'. It is a solid
ambitious attempt to merge the Atlantic years, with the Reunion
line-up. As much as we all will miss Munetaka, I know that in this
world and beyond, his spirit will forever endure.
-Michael
7:47 PM
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